What do you think?
Rate this book
Wild Cards #11
Dealer's Choice
As the final battle between the Nats and Bloat rages on Ellis Island, the Turtle throws in the towel, Modular Man switches sides, Reflector faces defeat, and assassins reach Bloat's chamber. Original.
432 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published October 1, 1992
30 people are currently reading
1273 people want to read
About the author
George R.R. Martin
1,511 books119k followersGeorge Raymond Richard "R.R." Martin was born September 20, 1948, in Bayonne, New Jersey. His father was Raymond Collins Martin, a longshoreman, and his mother was Margaret Brady Martin. He has two sisters, Darleen Martin Lapinski and Janet Martin Patten.
Martin attended Mary Jane Donohoe School and Marist High School. He began writing very young, selling monster stories to other neighborhood children for pennies, dramatic readings included. Later he became a comic book fan and collector in high school, and began to write fiction for comic fanzines (amateur fan magazines). Martin's first professional sale was made in 1970 at age 21: The Hero, sold to Galaxy, published in February, 1971 issue. Other sales followed.
In 1970 Martin received a B.S. in Journalism from Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, graduating summa cum laude. He went on to complete a M.S. in Journalism in 1971, also from Northwestern.
As a conscientious objector, Martin did alternative service 1972-1974 with VISTA, attached to Cook County Legal Assistance Foundation. He also directed chess tournaments for the Continental Chess Association from 1973-1976, and was a Journalism instructor at Clarke College, Dubuque, Iowa, from 1976-1978. He wrote part-time throughout the 1970s while working as a VISTA Volunteer, chess director, and teacher.
In 1975 he married Gale Burnick. They divorced in 1979, with no children. Martin became a full-time writer in 1979. He was writer-in-residence at Clarke College from 1978-79.
Moving on to Hollywood, Martin signed on as a story editor for Twilight Zone at CBS Television in 1986. In 1987 Martin became an Executive Story Consultant for Beauty and the Beast at CBS. In 1988 he became a Producer for Beauty and the Beast, then in 1989 moved up to Co-Supervising Producer. He was Executive Producer for Doorways, a pilot which he wrote for Columbia Pictures Television, which was filmed during 1992-93.
Martin's present home is Santa Fe, New Mexico. He is a member of Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America (he was South-Central Regional Director 1977-1979, and Vice President 1996-1998), and of Writers' Guild of America, West.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/george...
Martin attended Mary Jane Donohoe School and Marist High School. He began writing very young, selling monster stories to other neighborhood children for pennies, dramatic readings included. Later he became a comic book fan and collector in high school, and began to write fiction for comic fanzines (amateur fan magazines). Martin's first professional sale was made in 1970 at age 21: The Hero, sold to Galaxy, published in February, 1971 issue. Other sales followed.
In 1970 Martin received a B.S. in Journalism from Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, graduating summa cum laude. He went on to complete a M.S. in Journalism in 1971, also from Northwestern.
As a conscientious objector, Martin did alternative service 1972-1974 with VISTA, attached to Cook County Legal Assistance Foundation. He also directed chess tournaments for the Continental Chess Association from 1973-1976, and was a Journalism instructor at Clarke College, Dubuque, Iowa, from 1976-1978. He wrote part-time throughout the 1970s while working as a VISTA Volunteer, chess director, and teacher.
In 1975 he married Gale Burnick. They divorced in 1979, with no children. Martin became a full-time writer in 1979. He was writer-in-residence at Clarke College from 1978-79.
Moving on to Hollywood, Martin signed on as a story editor for Twilight Zone at CBS Television in 1986. In 1987 Martin became an Executive Story Consultant for Beauty and the Beast at CBS. In 1988 he became a Producer for Beauty and the Beast, then in 1989 moved up to Co-Supervising Producer. He was Executive Producer for Doorways, a pilot which he wrote for Columbia Pictures Television, which was filmed during 1992-93.
Martin's present home is Santa Fe, New Mexico. He is a member of Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America (he was South-Central Regional Director 1977-1979, and Vice President 1996-1998), and of Writers' Guild of America, West.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/george...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
June 8, 2024
Книгата е третата и последна част от триадата за скачащите. Както всеки завършек досега, макар и написана от шест автора, тя е сглобена в един доста хомогенен роман. Единственото разделение е чисто хронологично - тя се развива в продължение на 48 часа и е разделена на 4 части.
Действието се описва от гледните точки на шест персонажа - по един на автор:
Мехура (Bloat в оригинал) продължава да увеличава силата си да извайва реалността с мисъл. Проблемите му, обаче, също нарастват, защото американските власти хич не са съгласни да дадат автономия на Рокс, а дори напротив - планират мащабна атака, която да сложи край на „царството" му. Дори събират най-голямата група аса досега, които да им помогнат.
Модулният мъж (на Уолтър Джон Уилямс) открива, че злият му създател, станал жертва на жокер на вирус в една от предишните книги, вече не е в състояние да го поправя. Въпреки това, софтуерът не му позволява да не се подчинява на заповедите му, дори и когато е принуден да се присъедини и воюва на страната на Мехура.
Били Рей/Карнифекс (на Джон Дж. Милър) едва е оцелял след срещата си с Маки Месер в последната книга от предишната триада, но вече се излекувал (поне физически) и го сърбят ръцете за малко екшън. Той се присъединява към асата, които ще опитат да спрат Мехура заедно с американската ария.
Великата и могъща костенурка на бащицата на поредната - самият Джорджано Мартин, ми е един от любимите персонажи и тук играе важна роля, след като се отказа на последва Тахион на родата му планета в предния роман. Той е раздвоен, защото не мисли, че военна атака е правилното решение на проблема, но въпреки това, ще му се наложи да е един от най-дейните внея.
Крадецът на тела (отново на Мартин) е новото амплоа на бившата телохранителка на вече мъртвия създател на скачащите. Зелда ще направи всичко възможно Рокс да
се подготви по-добре за неизбежната атака, а това включва и да се скача в аса!
Юнгаре (на Едуар Брайънт) е познат от „Aces Abroad" абориген-асо, който е един от най-силните аса с психични сили. Той пристига в САЩ заради Мехура, който използва безогледно енергията на паралелна реалност, наречена „Dreamland". Среща отново племенницата на Джак Робишо - асото, способно да се превръща в огромен алигатор. Той е на края на живота си, съкратен от СПИН, но аборигенът ще му помогне.
След преговори, в които Грег Хартман - бившият Кукловод се проваля, САЩ ще извърши масирана атака на Rox, но тя ще е само за отклоняване на вниманието. Последното не е известно на повечето от участниците във фронталната атака. Карнифекс повежда екип аса из подземията на Rox, като ще им се наложи да преминат през реална игра Dungeons & Dragons, преди да стигнат до Мехура. Там той ще срещне стар враг, след един особено класен plot-twist!
Модулния мъж пък за пореден път ще срещне любовта, която ще му помогне най-сетне да се освободи, след като е бил принуден да нанесе големи щети на атакуващите хора и аса.
Костенурката ще излезе от черупката си или по-точно - ще допусне някой друг в нея и в крайна сметка ще открие любовта, малко след като я е загубил. Знам, че това звучи странно, но който иска на разбере как е възможно това - да прочете книгата :)
“Колегите" на Юнгаре искат да убият Мехура, който черпи енергия от света им, но той е убеден, че може да открие причината той да е такъв и да го излекува.
В крайна сметка, много хора, аса и най-вече - жокери измират в този роман. Юнгаре успява да помогне на Мехура къде бърка, макар и двамата на плащат висока цена за това.
Рокс е разрушен, а само мога да си представя какви гонения срещу жокери и малкото оцелели скачащи предстоят в следващите романи.
В заключение трябва да напиша, че това беше един доста добър и силен завършек на триадата и оставам голям почитател на поредицата! Има леко вариране в качеството, но не сравнимо по-малко от предишни части.
П. П. Най-забавното е как Кроид Кренсън цял роман спеше в една кула в Rox и Мехура нямаше търпение той да се събуди и да помогне. Дори му биха инженкции с адреналин, но не успяха. Буквало в края на книгата, той се събужда на дъното на залива на Ню Йорк (новата му форма му позволява да диша под вода), изплува, оглежда огромните разрушения и се чуди какво ли е изпуснал.
4,5*
Действието се описва от гледните точки на шест персонажа - по един на автор:
Мехура (Bloat в оригинал) продължава да увеличава силата си да извайва реалността с мисъл. Проблемите му, обаче, също нарастват, защото американските власти хич не са съгласни да дадат автономия на Рокс, а дори напротив - планират мащабна атака, която да сложи край на „царството" му. Дори събират най-голямата група аса досега, които да им помогнат.
Модулният мъж (на Уолтър Джон Уилямс) открива, че злият му създател, станал жертва на жокер на вирус в една от предишните книги, вече не е в състояние да го поправя. Въпреки това, софтуерът не му позволява да не се подчинява на заповедите му, дори и когато е принуден да се присъедини и воюва на страната на Мехура.
Били Рей/Карнифекс (на Джон Дж. Милър) едва е оцелял след срещата си с Маки Месер в последната книга от предишната триада, но вече се излекувал (поне физически) и го сърбят ръцете за малко екшън. Той се присъединява към асата, които ще опитат да спрат Мехура заедно с американската ария.
Великата и могъща костенурка на бащицата на поредната - самият Джорджано Мартин, ми е един от любимите персонажи и тук играе важна роля, след като се отказа на последва Тахион на родата му планета в предния роман. Той е раздвоен, защото не мисли, че военна атака е правилното решение на проблема, но въпреки това, ще му се наложи да е един от най-дейните внея.
Крадецът на тела (отново на Мартин) е новото амплоа на бившата телохранителка на вече мъртвия създател на скачащите. Зелда ще направи всичко възможно Рокс да
се подготви по-добре за неизбежната атака, а това включва и да се скача в аса!
Юнгаре (на Едуар Брайънт) е познат от „Aces Abroad" абориген-асо, който е един от най-силните аса с психични сили. Той пристига в САЩ заради Мехура, който използва безогледно енергията на паралелна реалност, наречена „Dreamland". Среща отново племенницата на Джак Робишо - асото, способно да се превръща в огромен алигатор. Той е на края на живота си, съкратен от СПИН, но аборигенът ще му помогне.
След преговори, в които Грег Хартман - бившият Кукловод се проваля, САЩ ще извърши масирана атака на Rox, но тя ще е само за отклоняване на вниманието. Последното не е известно на повечето от участниците във фронталната атака. Карнифекс повежда екип аса из подземията на Rox, като ще им се наложи да преминат през реална игра Dungeons & Dragons, преди да стигнат до Мехура. Там той ще срещне стар враг, след един особено класен plot-twist!
Модулния мъж пък за пореден път ще срещне любовта, която ще му помогне най-сетне да се освободи, след като е бил принуден да нанесе големи щети на атакуващите хора и аса.
Костенурката ще излезе от черупката си или по-точно - ще допусне някой друг в нея и в крайна сметка ще открие любовта, малко след като я е загубил. Знам, че това звучи странно, но който иска на разбере как е възможно това - да прочете книгата :)
“Колегите" на Юнгаре искат да убият Мехура, който черпи енергия от света им, но той е убеден, че може да открие причината той да е такъв и да го излекува.
В крайна сметка, много хора, аса и най-вече - жокери измират в този роман. Юнгаре успява да помогне на Мехура къде бърка, макар и двамата на плащат висока цена за това.
Рокс е разрушен, а само мога да си представя какви гонения срещу жокери и малкото оцелели скачащи предстоят в следващите романи.
В заключение трябва да напиша, че това беше един доста добър и силен завършек на триадата и оставам голям почитател на поредицата! Има леко вариране в качеството, но не сравнимо по-малко от предишни части.
П. П. Най-забавното е как Кроид Кренсън цял роман спеше в една кула в Rox и Мехура нямаше търпение той да се събуди и да помогне. Дори му биха инженкции с адреналин, но не успяха. Буквало в края на книгата, той се събужда на дъното на залива на Ню Йорк (новата му форма му позволява да диша под вода), изплува, оглежда огромните разрушения и се чуди какво ли е изпуснал.
4,5*
July 18, 2017
It's the close of the Jumper trilogy, and overall a strong book. Though things lag a bit in the beginning, from Herne's assault on Hartmann onward, which is the latter half of the book, this is one of the most gripping and exciting Wild Card books around. It also provides a solid end to this trilogy, without pulling punches, but also while providing a few interesting surprises.
Bloat (Stephen Leigh) is obviously the heart of the book. One of the reasons this finale works is because the writers made Bloat an understandable and sympathetic character. In fact, it's not entirely obvious if he's the villain or if the government is. Everything lives in a land of gray.
Modular Man (Walter Jon Williams) gets the first of our major character arcs, as he seeks his independence. Honestly, one of the problems with MM has always been that he doesn't have true authority and agency, weakening him as a character. That's on full display here, as he's forced to fight for the Rox, but Williams also addresses the problem.
Carnifex (John Miller) has never been one of my favorite characters because he's so one-dimensionally bad and bad ass. Still, he provides us an interesting viewpoint on the assault on the Rox, and when faced with someone worse than him, the smallest bit of his better nature leaks out.
Turtle (George R.R. Martin) gets IMO the best arc, but I also think Martin is one of the best writers. It's a character arc with multiple dimensions, asking both what Tom will do and what connections he might make. The answer to both questions is phenomenal. Almost all of the most shocking and memorable scenes in Dealer's Choice involve the Turtle.
Wyungare (Edward Bryant) feels mainly like deus-ex-machina man. He comes into the story with a very specific goal and has almost no characterization other than that goal. Except for really generic, cultural characterization.
The Bodysnatcher (George R.R. Martin) was presumably added because the jumper viewpoint was missing. Her story doesn't feel particularly complete, and some of the stuff regarding the jumpers is actually anticlimatic because it occurs totally off-screen.
Overall, a solid conclusion to this sometimes troubled and overly extended trilogy.
Bloat (Stephen Leigh) is obviously the heart of the book. One of the reasons this finale works is because the writers made Bloat an understandable and sympathetic character. In fact, it's not entirely obvious if he's the villain or if the government is. Everything lives in a land of gray.
Modular Man (Walter Jon Williams) gets the first of our major character arcs, as he seeks his independence. Honestly, one of the problems with MM has always been that he doesn't have true authority and agency, weakening him as a character. That's on full display here, as he's forced to fight for the Rox, but Williams also addresses the problem.
Carnifex (John Miller) has never been one of my favorite characters because he's so one-dimensionally bad and bad ass. Still, he provides us an interesting viewpoint on the assault on the Rox, and when faced with someone worse than him, the smallest bit of his better nature leaks out.
Turtle (George R.R. Martin) gets IMO the best arc, but I also think Martin is one of the best writers. It's a character arc with multiple dimensions, asking both what Tom will do and what connections he might make. The answer to both questions is phenomenal. Almost all of the most shocking and memorable scenes in Dealer's Choice involve the Turtle.
Wyungare (Edward Bryant) feels mainly like deus-ex-machina man. He comes into the story with a very specific goal and has almost no characterization other than that goal. Except for really generic, cultural characterization.
The Bodysnatcher (George R.R. Martin) was presumably added because the jumper viewpoint was missing. Her story doesn't feel particularly complete, and some of the stuff regarding the jumpers is actually anticlimatic because it occurs totally off-screen.
Overall, a solid conclusion to this sometimes troubled and overly extended trilogy.
April 24, 2019
Really good conclusion, especially after the weirdness that was book 10. I really disliked the Blaise story line so I was glad when that whole unpleasantness ended in the last book, and we got back to earth and focused again on some old memorable characters while also introducing some new ones. I was also happy to see some closure for some characters. I don't know if they'll be back in later books, but it's nice to have a series that feels like a living, breathing, constantly changing universe. Keeps each book fresh and new.
October 30, 2021
This one was rough.
Not in the sense that the story was bad. In fact, as a lot of reviews have already pointed out, DEALER'S CHOICE probably, from a technical standpoint, the strongest in the series since ACE IN THE HOLE. The problem is that that doesn't really matter, because of all the compelling characters and premises featured in the story, only about two get the chance to shine.
And even those characters are wasted.
Let's take Carnifex himself as an example: a wildly interesting potential exploration of obedience, authority, and the nitty-gritty ethics of superhuman powers being used in the name of the 'greater good'. This would make, and has often made in the past, for fascinating interplay with characters like Lady Black, Jack Braun, Gregg Hartmann, and even Cyclone. But will it? No! Ray is tossed into an arbitrary little strike team of one-liners and half-baked political thinkpieces that contribute exactly nothing to any of the characters involved.
But that's not even the worst offense.
The interaction between Hartmann and Bloat/Outcast/Teddy is a beacon of twisted motives and barbed philosophies, a shining star that is then almost immediately buried under more meaningless attempts at humanizing what is already probably the most human Wild Cards character to date.
Bloat's arc of realizing that the safe haven, the fantasy he's built at the expense of people half a world away, is now claiming hundreds upon hundreds of lives among his followers is easily the most interesting thing to come out of DEALER'S CHOICE. It takes a strange sidetrack, which seems to have been hastily assembled out of criticisms as to how certain plot elements were handled earlier in this trilogy, but it is overall very, very strong. And to have him realize that in his zealous attempts to unmask Hartmann he has inadvertently used the same kind of power that he now condemns? If only!
Beyond that though, the impossible ethical choices that you would think most of the other characters would also be faced by in the course of this book are all but ignored.
Because why would you bother to unpack all of that?
Also, the Turtle deserved a much better conclusion than this. Do better, George.
In summary, despite some bright points of (mostly) wasted potential, this one was really was not all that.
Man, woman, alligator, and cat, they escaped together. Nobody seemed to notice.
After all, this was Jokertown.
And it was New York.
Not in the sense that the story was bad. In fact, as a lot of reviews have already pointed out, DEALER'S CHOICE probably, from a technical standpoint, the strongest in the series since ACE IN THE HOLE. The problem is that that doesn't really matter, because of all the compelling characters and premises featured in the story, only about two get the chance to shine.
And even those characters are wasted.
'Will,' he said. 'That is all a man needs to survive, not an unclean genetic heritage.'
Battle, Ray thought, is deranged.
Let's take Carnifex himself as an example: a wildly interesting potential exploration of obedience, authority, and the nitty-gritty ethics of superhuman powers being used in the name of the 'greater good'. This would make, and has often made in the past, for fascinating interplay with characters like Lady Black, Jack Braun, Gregg Hartmann, and even Cyclone. But will it? No! Ray is tossed into an arbitrary little strike team of one-liners and half-baked political thinkpieces that contribute exactly nothing to any of the characters involved.
But that's not even the worst offense.
'You want to know about Hartmann?' the Outcast said, and he let his powers bleed into the words so that they sparked in the minds of the listeners.
The interaction between Hartmann and Bloat/Outcast/Teddy is a beacon of twisted motives and barbed philosophies, a shining star that is then almost immediately buried under more meaningless attempts at humanizing what is already probably the most human Wild Cards character to date.
The damage to the Wall he could fix - the Wall was only an image taken from his mind and made real with Bloat's gift. But the jokers were real.
Bloat's arc of realizing that the safe haven, the fantasy he's built at the expense of people half a world away, is now claiming hundreds upon hundreds of lives among his followers is easily the most interesting thing to come out of DEALER'S CHOICE. It takes a strange sidetrack, which seems to have been hastily assembled out of criticisms as to how certain plot elements were handled earlier in this trilogy, but it is overall very, very strong. And to have him realize that in his zealous attempts to unmask Hartmann he has inadvertently used the same kind of power that he now condemns? If only!
Bloat looked down on him. There was a touch of sadness in his tone. 'Welcome to the Rox,' he said. 'I think you'll fit right in.'
Beyond that though, the impossible ethical choices that you would think most of the other characters would also be faced by in the course of this book are all but ignored.
'They say that Bloat can change physical reality. My bet is that he's not going to be able to change the five hundred artillery and mortar shell I can drop on the Rox every single minute.'
There was another long moment of silence. This was the man, Modular Man thought, who Cyclone thought liked jokers too much.
Because why would you bother to unpack all of that?
Also, the Turtle deserved a much better conclusion than this. Do better, George.
That was most of the people who knew he was alive right there. Dead men don't make a whole lot of friends.
But it was only Tom Tudbury who was dead. The Turtle still had miles to go before he slept.
He finished his coffee, and went to get his shell.
In summary, despite some bright points of (mostly) wasted potential, this one was really was not all that.
'If you wish to be heroic,' said Wyungare, 'the best thing you could do would be to save this woman's life. She is going to die without care.'
'Isn't the same thing,' said Reflector.
The Aborigine shook his head. 'Yes, it is.'
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 23, 2025
I used to love these 'Wild Cards' books when I was much younger, and I still find interesting elements, but this one - in particular - was a true slog to get through. And, not for nothing, I don't actually feel like I know what actually happened there at the end. That's a disappointment when you finish a book. I guess it's supposed to be, or feel, mystic, but ... not really.
I will likely continue reading on, in the series, and hope for a better story (one of the advantages of this comic book kinda story is it'll change in the future), but for now I feel a little let down.
I will likely continue reading on, in the series, and hope for a better story (one of the advantages of this comic book kinda story is it'll change in the future), but for now I feel a little let down.
October 6, 2020
An exciting and satisfying finish to the Rox Triad. Turtle, Carnifex, and Mod Man at their best. Croyd’s cameo at the end was genius. Interested to see what became of Bloat and the rest of the jumpers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 18, 2023
An extremely welcome return to form for the Wild Cards series after the offensive mess that was Double Solitaire: The Rox Trilogy goes out with a satisfying bang that left me looking forward to the next book in the series more than I had for quite some time.
April 16, 2021
A fabulous ending to the Rox trilogy
December 8, 2021
An amazing wrap-up to the trilogy within the series. I couldn't have asked for a better conclusion.
February 16, 2024
Jumping a head a couple of books. This one did not grab me at all.
March 22, 2025
I like the storyline and the characters.
July 23, 2022
bloat
I think a little more explanation at the end would of been nice, but so did really enjoy this story.
Legion is a fascinating character I hope is in future books
I think a little more explanation at the end would of been nice, but so did really enjoy this story.
Legion is a fascinating character I hope is in future books
December 3, 2020
War is coming to the Rox. On one side, Bloat has grown his psionic powers and appears to now have nearly unlimited control over the physical universe. On the other side, the US government is amassing its full arsenal for a frontal assault, including a coalition of its most powerful aces. One way or the other, the conflict will come to a thunderous conclusion over the next 48 hours…
The good news is that Dealer's Choice is an improvement over the last two entries in the Wild Cards series. Thankfully, Melinda Snodgrass' ill-conceived and ill-executed gender-swapping storyline for Dr. Tachyon is no longer in play. Also, this book's straightforward plot introduces many new aces with new powers.
Unfortunately, there is just nothing the authors can do to write their way out of the ridiculous characters and plotlines of this triad. I see this novel as a mercy killing of sorts… hopefully the series can regain its footing soon.
What I Liked:
• One of the worst aspects of Jokertown Shuffle was Bloat's fantasy world where he inhabits a different body and weaves magic that affects the real world. This subplot is partially redeemed here; it is shown to overlap with the Australian aboriginal Dreamland where Wyungare lives. This opens up the return of one of the more interesting and underused characters from Aces Abroad.
• Herne the Hunter is a Celtic mythological figure with god-like abilities. It is fun to see how the Wild Hunt is portrayed in this universe at the same time I am also reading about it in Andrzej Sapkowski's Witcher series.
• The return of Gregg Hartmann… he only has a small role, but could Puppetman also be resurrected one day?
• Fun new aces: Legion, Crypt Keeper, Patchwork (think Potato Head Woman), Detroit Steel (think Hugh Jackman in Pacific Rising), and Cameo (she brings back Mackie Messer for an encore fight)
• The Sewer Jack and Modular Man storylines are picked up for the first time since Down and Dirty. Bagabond is even in tow, sort of, through her feline avatar.
• The novel tried at times to address weighty questions of morality: Do jokers have a right to their own free representative government? Do they forfeit that right when they use tactics to kill, steal, and kidnap--or do the ends justify the means? Does Modular Man have free will or is he just a machine? How do his rights compare to Kafkas's, who is after all just a sentient roach?
• Several characters have satisfying arcs: Wyungare, Patchwork make noble sacrifices. Some of the Legions face a surprising end. ModMan engineers his freedom but at a surprising emotional cost.
What I Disliked:
• Erratic writing. For every section of strong prose (George R. R. Martin's exhilarating description of Pulse traveling at light speed) there are multiple clunky scenes (Edward Bryant's inability to think of a convincing way for Cordelia to sneak Sewer Jack out of the hospital; Bloat playing practical jokes on the ace raid rather than pressing his advantage to kill them).
• Jumpers seem even less imaginative in using their powers. Many are tricked into jumping frail elderly bodies from which they cannot escape (an obvious set-up ). This story would have benefitted from more aces getting jumped. If Snotman/Reflector had been jumped, the tale may have ended differently…
• Cutesy characters (ice-skating penguins, a talking dragon, mermen on flying fish) and references to Monty Python ("It's only a flesh wound").
• More than half this book is devoted to battle scenes. There are plenty of action heroes showing off their superpowers but little character development or world-building.
• Turtle is still a disappointing cliché. He joins the military campaign to bring down the Rox, but then we have to endure repetitive scenes of him whining over his guilt whenever he has to kill enemy combatants. Later, he goes full-on mass murderer when a girlfriend he just met the day before gets killed… ho hum, maudlin and predictable.
• Mr. Nobody and Cyclone received what appear to be ignominious deaths. Maybe they will return, but if not, they deserved better.
• The ending seems frustratingly unclear whether Bloat is killed or retreats into the Dreamworld to live on another plane of existence.
I am rating the novel 3 stars, which includes an additional star only because I really like Patchwork and Legion and hope they return soon…
The good news is that Dealer's Choice is an improvement over the last two entries in the Wild Cards series. Thankfully, Melinda Snodgrass' ill-conceived and ill-executed gender-swapping storyline for Dr. Tachyon is no longer in play. Also, this book's straightforward plot introduces many new aces with new powers.
Unfortunately, there is just nothing the authors can do to write their way out of the ridiculous characters and plotlines of this triad. I see this novel as a mercy killing of sorts… hopefully the series can regain its footing soon.
What I Liked:
• One of the worst aspects of Jokertown Shuffle was Bloat's fantasy world where he inhabits a different body and weaves magic that affects the real world. This subplot is partially redeemed here; it is shown to overlap with the Australian aboriginal Dreamland where Wyungare lives. This opens up the return of one of the more interesting and underused characters from Aces Abroad.
• Herne the Hunter is a Celtic mythological figure with god-like abilities. It is fun to see how the Wild Hunt is portrayed in this universe at the same time I am also reading about it in Andrzej Sapkowski's Witcher series.
• The return of Gregg Hartmann… he only has a small role, but could Puppetman also be resurrected one day?
• Fun new aces: Legion, Crypt Keeper, Patchwork (think Potato Head Woman), Detroit Steel (think Hugh Jackman in Pacific Rising), and Cameo (she brings back Mackie Messer for an encore fight)
• The Sewer Jack and Modular Man storylines are picked up for the first time since Down and Dirty. Bagabond is even in tow, sort of, through her feline avatar.
• The novel tried at times to address weighty questions of morality: Do jokers have a right to their own free representative government? Do they forfeit that right when they use tactics to kill, steal, and kidnap--or do the ends justify the means? Does Modular Man have free will or is he just a machine? How do his rights compare to Kafkas's, who is after all just a sentient roach?
• Several characters have satisfying arcs: Wyungare, Patchwork make noble sacrifices. Some of the Legions face a surprising end. ModMan engineers his freedom but at a surprising emotional cost.
What I Disliked:
• Erratic writing. For every section of strong prose (George R. R. Martin's exhilarating description of Pulse traveling at light speed) there are multiple clunky scenes (Edward Bryant's inability to think of a convincing way for Cordelia to sneak Sewer Jack out of the hospital; Bloat playing practical jokes on the ace raid rather than pressing his advantage to kill them).
• Jumpers seem even less imaginative in using their powers. Many are tricked into jumping frail elderly bodies from which they cannot escape (an obvious set-up ). This story would have benefitted from more aces getting jumped. If Snotman/Reflector had been jumped, the tale may have ended differently…
• Cutesy characters (ice-skating penguins, a talking dragon, mermen on flying fish) and references to Monty Python ("It's only a flesh wound").
• More than half this book is devoted to battle scenes. There are plenty of action heroes showing off their superpowers but little character development or world-building.
• Turtle is still a disappointing cliché. He joins the military campaign to bring down the Rox, but then we have to endure repetitive scenes of him whining over his guilt whenever he has to kill enemy combatants. Later, he goes full-on mass murderer when a girlfriend he just met the day before gets killed… ho hum, maudlin and predictable.
• Mr. Nobody and Cyclone received what appear to be ignominious deaths. Maybe they will return, but if not, they deserved better.
• The ending seems frustratingly unclear whether Bloat is killed or retreats into the Dreamworld to live on another plane of existence.
I am rating the novel 3 stars, which includes an additional star only because I really like Patchwork and Legion and hope they return soon…
July 23, 2016
"Dealer's Choice" is the 11th book in George R.R. Martins Wild Card series. The Wild Card series started as an alternate history collaboration of many of the top notch science fiction writers in 1987. Its initial volume was set in New York City in the late 1940's and through a series of events, real super heroes and other mutants came into existence. "Dealer's Choice" brought the series to the early 1990's and continues the saga of a world populated with Aces (superheroes), Jokers (mutants) and nats (unchanged human beings.) This 11th book also is a return to the collaboration of different writers as opposed to the single author that wrote volume 10. "Dealer's Choice" is one of the better Wild Card novels, as it tidies up some past problems and does not introduce too many new characters. It is an extremely well written book with excellent prose, huge imagination and ,as said before, a definitive conclusion. Not your typical sci-fi offering, it will appeal to those who are a fan of the alternate history theme. One note of warning, though. It can get confusing for the reader if he/she tries to read this as a stand alone novel. History is history, even if it is fictional and reading the preceding books will make each one more enjoyable.
Read
July 17, 2012I just want to thank the publisher for printing the highlights of the entire book on the back and leaving nothing out. It special type of idiot to list things that happen in the last 50 pages of the book. Thanks for ruining the book.
After the last book this at least pulled in some of the characters I like. I had thought Carnifex was dead so it was interesting to see him back. Turtle has become really annoying. I find it impossible that he barely has any confidence. He needs a heart and balls transplant. On the other hand why would people go near the jumpers knowing what they can do.
I liked the return of Mackie Messer.
After the last book this at least pulled in some of the characters I like. I had thought Carnifex was dead so it was interesting to see him back. Turtle has become really annoying. I find it impossible that he barely has any confidence. He needs a heart and balls transplant. On the other hand why would people go near the jumpers knowing what they can do.
I liked the return of Mackie Messer.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 2, 2016
With most of the characters that I cared about out of the picture now, I have little investment in this series any more. I pretty much hate both sides of the conflict, although I sympathize with the jokers more because of their outsider status. Turtle is pathetic, and then he gets his fantasy woman with no particularly good reason except I guess wish fulfillment by the author? maybe? I don't really know. I wasn't bored, since there was plenty of action, but if I weren't already committed to finishing the books I borrowed from my friend (one more to go) I would not feel compelled to read any more of the series.
July 26, 2016
Eleventh book in the Wild Card series and one of the better ones. This one is more of a comprehensive novel as the series seems to have gotten away from its mosaic style.
The story centers around the Rox and it's final conclusion with notables such as The Great and Powerful Turtle, Modular Man, Carnifex, Bloat and Legion.
Wraps up nicely with a great ending and re-energized my love of the series.
The story centers around the Rox and it's final conclusion with notables such as The Great and Powerful Turtle, Modular Man, Carnifex, Bloat and Legion.
Wraps up nicely with a great ending and re-energized my love of the series.
April 30, 2015
This eleventh Wild Cards book is one of the best of the series so far. It brings some major plot lines to a close, kicks off a few others, and is a fast-paced and exciting mosaic novel in its own right. This one got the series back on path. My favorite sections were written by Stephen Leigh and Martin himself.
November 29, 2020
Slightly better than I remember, but still problematic like every WC novel was back then. The sex scenes are the worst. 46-year-old Turtle ending up with 21-year-old Legion is especially cringe now. Oh well, at least the jumpers are gone.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 18, 2018
Dealer’s Choice (Wild Cards, #11)
George R.R. Martin
Dealer’s Choice, wow!!! Your dungeons and dragons fans will find this right up your alley, those who love wild cards will find another great story in the series, and super hero lovers, well your choice can an obese boy save the world
George R.R. Martin
Dealer’s Choice, wow!!! Your dungeons and dragons fans will find this right up your alley, those who love wild cards will find another great story in the series, and super hero lovers, well your choice can an obese boy save the world
August 13, 2016
Best of the series, so far. Conclusion of the Rox/Bloat storyline. Conclusion/culmination of several other story lines, too. And the reset/restart of a couple, including my personal favorite character.
May 11, 2020
Wild Cards XI Dealers Choice, I am still really enjoying all the wildcard books especially in this lock down but this book was not what I expected for the end of the Rox.
I have a youtube review if anybody is interested https://youtu.be/RwtBTRjNEb0
I have a youtube review if anybody is interested https://youtu.be/RwtBTRjNEb0
September 4, 2020
Dealer’s Choice (Wild Cards, #11)
George R.R. Martin
Dealer’s Choice, wow!!! Your dungeons and dragons fans will find this right up your alley, those who love wild cards will find another great story in the series, and super hero lovers, well your choice can an obese boy save the world
George R.R. Martin
Dealer’s Choice, wow!!! Your dungeons and dragons fans will find this right up your alley, those who love wild cards will find another great story in the series, and super hero lovers, well your choice can an obese boy save the world
Read
August 23, 2008isbn,original
Read
November 10, 2013One of the best so far! Awesome
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews